TRADITION AND TRANSFORMATION

THE JOURNEY OF 'GARRAFADA MAKERS' IN BENJAMIN CONSTANT-AM

Abstract

The ethnographic research aimed to understand the relevance of traditional knowledge for three garrafada (medicinal drink) manufacturers residing in the municipality of Benjamin Constant, in Amazonas. To achieve this, informal conversations were initially conducted as a means of research, evolving into structured interviews that sought to address the researchers' questions. The results revealed three distinct modes of knowledge acquisition in the preparation of garrafadas: family tradition (intergenerational teaching), experience (harvesting and preparation practices), and revelation (ancestral guidance). From this categorization, the study aimed to highlight the identity elements of each individual during the garrafada production process, occurring throughout their social interactions with family, friends, and community. These interactions, derived from their physical and spiritual experiences, along with oral expressions, sustain and transmit knowledge. By highlighting these forms of acquisition, it became possible to understand the complexity involved in the transmission of this traditional knowledge. Family tradition, lived experiences, and personal revelations emerged as fundamental pillars in the formation of these garrafada manufacturers. Thus, this ethnographic approach not only sheds light on popular knowledge associated with medicinal practices but also provides a deeper understanding of the underlying cultural dynamics. Faith in the symbolic efficacy of garrafadas not only influences individual perceptions of healing but also plays a crucial role in social cohesion, promoting a shared understanding of the significance of these practices within the cultural context in which they are embedded.